Mental Health Solicitors

The government has published a new code of practice for the Mental Health Act, which will come into force from April 2015.

The Code of Practice aims to make mental health services “more effective and accessible” – and provides guidelines as to how mental health professionals should carry out their duties.

The Mental Health Act Code of Practice also sets out the rights of patients under the Mental Health Act – as well as their families and carers.

The Code of Practice was last revised in 2008 – before the coalition government came to power in 2010 – and reflects changes since then in legislation, case law, government policy and professional practice.

The Code of Practice revision is currently awaiting parliamentary approval.

The revision of the Code of Practice has been drafted in compliance with Section 118 of the Mental Health Act, which states that the code will include guiding principles which will inform any decisions made under the Act, to ensure a patient’s rights are upheld and appropriate care is given, including ensuring patients are informed about how and when treatment can be given without their consent – and when patients have the right to refuse treatment.

Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors

Duncan Lewis mental health solicitors can advise mental health patients on their rights under the Mental Health Act, including access to treatment and detention under the Mental Health Act.

Duncan Lewis is the UK’s largest provider of Legal Aid mental health services and in some cases may be able to advise the nearest relative or carer of a mental health patient on issues like access to treatment or initiating treatment reviews, where appropriate.

For expert legal advice on mental health law, call the Duncan Lewis Mental Health Solicitors Helpline on 0203 114 1124.